Dr Laura Vickers

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Agriculture and Environment, Harper Adams University

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My research areas of expertise are in organismal adaptability to environmental stress, in particular water stress working with Professor Peter Kettlewell in the area of antitranspirants. I also conduct research in entomology, particularly aphids, and urban farming. My other interests are in fresh produce production, postharvest quality, in addition to plants as green infrastructure.

Plant adaption to drought stress and drought mitigation.
Urban agriculture.
Organismal adaptability to the environment in particular insect plasticity to indoor production systems.
Maximising yield, marketability and storage in fresh produce crops.
Value of plants with regards to green infrastructure and Health and Wellbeing.

Involved with these other projects (as researcher)

The integration of PA tools and technologies for resilient and sustainable agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Outcome orientated, supportive and guiding.

Provision of Teaching

I will guide you towards planning, taking and reviewing on training opportunities throughout the PhD.Technical training could be delivered from a variety of people; other PhDs, technicians and myself.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will set out progression expectations and regularly review these with you on a weekly and monthly basis. If progression is not met we will discuss a plan of action together.

Communication

I prefer communication to be within the working week and within working hours, but for I am known to email outside of these times, there is no expectation for you to reply and vice versa. It is important to me that you maintain a work/life balance and that we maintain flexibility in working. If you work at a different time we can have a discussion about communication and how it can fit around other life commitments.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meetingAt least once per month

In year 1 of PhD studyAt least once per week

In year 2 of PhD studyAt least once per fortnight

In year 3 of PhD studyAt least once per month

These meetings will be a mixture of face to face, via video chat or telephone, and I am usually contactable for an instant response 3 to 4 days per week.

Working Pattern

Aside the experimental work and field work, working hours are flexible as long as communication is maintained. Although presence in the office for events and research seminars are encouraged for networking and bonding with other PGRs.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

Project Details

Dr Laura Vickers is supervising no projects this year.